Before we evaluate the North Fork, lets establish some general evaluation criteria: The big question is what sort of knife you want to carry. What You Should Know About Benchmades Lifesharp Program, Mini Bugout 533 a look as well which can be found here, Check out the beautifully crafted hand-built Damasteel Foray here, check out the Mini Freek found at this link here, Check out the Barrage that went on a diet here at this link, 15085-2 Mini Crooked River a look here at this link, Benchmade 15080BK Crooked River Gold Class, double-sided spear-point can be found here, For example, the Benchmade Bugout 535-191 Gold Class edition, Benchmades Gold Class custom built blades here, How to Unregister a Gun in your Name? Thats not a major drawback though, and for most people, its going to be more than made up for by the overall comfort and usability of the knife. For Sale: Custom & Semi Production Knives (Dealer), KnifeMaker's Market: Knives & More for Sale, Wanted: Knifemaker / Craftsman / Related Services, Busse / Swamprat / Scrapyard Knives For Sale, For Sale: Traditionals, Slipjoints, "Old Timey", International (Non-US) For Sale & Trade Forums. However, its also very functional when you use this as your daily carry knife. Blade Style: TantoBlade Composition: CPM-3VHandle Composition: GrivoryBlade Length: 3.38Total Length: 8.07Total Weight: 2.05 ounces. BUT. it may be knocked off the throne by my mini crooked river. Do you love tool steel and favour a tanto blade? It is a boutique piece of equipment, and losing such an expensive pocket knife out on a camping trip would certainly be a tragedy. My Review: The Barrage is an excellent EDC sized self-defense and general utility knife that sports a very well finished blade that is available with that lovely black Cerakote job Benchmade is known for or, of course, a polished satin finish. Made in USA. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. No, not you, youve chosen the Altitude because you have attitude. Some of our team have accomplished amazing feats like climbing 6000 feet to the top of mountains, others have explored every dirt trail they could find and we even have some people that have backpacked solo on various continents. The handle is available in two variants, both made up of scales attached to a steel frame; the 15031-1 has scales made from G10 composite, while the 15031-2 uses Dymondwood. The Barrage is also available in either a partially serrated blade or a full plain edge and overall, the Barrage feels a lot like many of the other 3.6 EDC related pocket knives and it comes equipped with the Benchmade AXIS-ASSIST mechanism, meaning its perfect for quick one-handed operation. Benchmade Barrage Knife 583SBK - Part Serrated Black Tanto - Black Valox - AXIS Assist - USA Made $198.00 MODIFIED Benchmade Bugout 535 + AWT Anodized Cobalt Blue Aluminum Scales $229.99 MODIFIED Benchmade Bugout 535BK Knife + AWT Archon Custom Anodized Scales $259.99 MODIFIED Benchmade Bugout 535 Knife + AWT Archon Custom Anodized Scales $249.99 Build Your Ultimate Bugout for National Knife Day 2023 Benchmade OTF Knives for 2023 - We Review Our Favorites! Not many knives give off such a premium feel while costing under two Benjamins AND being as rough and tough as the Foray. However, this one is my favorite since this is the so-called Super Freek, due to the upgraded CPM-M4 steel and handle material. This is one of the best knives we have ever tested with a wooden handle, What makes a super pricey knife twice as good as one that costs half as much? Between those two even with the variants of the mini grip, I would still choose the northfork all day. Despite being pricey, Benchmade North Fork 1503 still remains a high quality and extremely durable all-round folding knife. The 15003-2 comes with a dark brown leather sheath that is of super high quality, however, it doesnt last long since its so good at hugging the blade that the blade actually tears into the leather. In the end, after tuning all of these, Benchmade does a dang fine job with the blade of the North Fork. Features AXIS lock folding mechanism Drop-point, CPM-S30V premium stainless-steel blade (58-60HRC) Blue Grivory handles with anodized aluminum barrel spacers Disclosure : Everyday Carry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As a last tidbit here, when you grab yourself the Nimravus you also get a very well made MOLLE compatible sheath. This is definitely not the run of the mill Benchmade experience Ive known to expect but it is a refreshing design that gives the user plenty of deployability options. Sure, sharp is sharp; the blade has a pointed edge, or it doesn't. This dude Steve Tarani designed the Aileron with a, get this, Tarani Two-handed opening mechanism, thats meant to ensure no accidental opening while traveling through our lower atmosphere. Start Your Benchmade Career Today. Portability, regarding size, is also at direct odds with ergonomics. First, the designers they employ and the complicated craftsmanship a lot of their knives consist of. CPM 3V and CPM M4. Ideally, the knife suits anyone keen on getting a reliable folding knife.North Fork-1503 isnt ideal for knives buyers with a relatively small budget.Again, its razor sharp blade can potentially make it unsafe for inexperienced hunting knife users. Agree with Matt. If you just want one knife and one knife only that exudes quality and is as versatile as it gets, the Benchmade Turret should be at the top of your list. This Mini Griptilian also has the same impressive handle as the full-sized Griptilian. However, Id suggest you stay cautious about prying, as that may snap the tip. In short, it is smoothness. The very name Puukko simply stands for a small Finnish full-tang belt knife that hosts a single elegantly curved edge and a mostly flat spine. Click Here To Learn More! This is the last self defense knife on this list, but we have an entire guide dedicated to self defense knives here if youre interested. Benchmade invests a lot in making their handles good, and you can pick any one knife and be assured that the handle will be satisfactory. Plain finish, satin finish, matte finish, coated finish, Damascus: there isnt a shortage in types of knife finishes. george kovach cilka. It has a blade length that measures in at 3.24 inches long, and the handle measures in at 4.22 inches long That brings the overall length on the Bugout to 7.46 inches when the blade is fully locked out. The Top 3 Best Two-Person Tents for Couples (or Close Friends). If you like the frn handles of the Grip you have, you will like the g10 even more. Of course, if whipping this terrifying thing out doesnt scare off your attacker, it is just as easily used in disabling an attacker as it weighs nearly 6 ounces, hosts a very deadly reverse-tanto with a tight point, and is massive, coming in just under 10 when unfolded. My Review: Taking a more stealthy and slimline approach as opposed to the Contego, the Bailout is designed for exactly what its name implies. Personally, I prefer a subtle matte or black coated blade, even though they tend to get scratched quite easily. You must log in or register to reply here. In many cases the answer is an unequivocal yes, however, Id say it really depends on your situation and what you need a knife for. Make sure these handles are well-textured, and youre all set. Blade Style: Modified Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Ultra Ergo Slotted and Textured G10Blade Length: 3.45Total Length: 8.03Total Weight: 4.24 ounces. UPDATE:Also, as the reader Clayton mentioned in a comment to this review, the quick release is more sensitive than most knives (and isnt spring-loaded). The edge itself has a wide, almost flat grind and a slight recurve before it arcs up to the point. How to Sharpen a Machete Most Effective & Easy Way at Home. The clip makes it easy to secure in a pocket or on your belt although it doesnt allow point-down carriage and if youre after some extra security the lanyard hole makes it easy to fasten it to yourself. Absence of a reliable sheath makes it unsafe to carry around, Buffalo Horn 6.5 Custom Handmade Damascus Folding Pocket Knife Review, Kershaw Clash Black Serrated-1605CKTST Review, MTech USA Ballistic MT-A705 Folding Knife Review, 15 Must-Have Items For Your Hunting Backpack, TAC-Force Spring Assisted Opening EMT EMS Orange Rescue Folding Pocket Knife Review, Schrade SCHF36 10.4 Inch Stainless Steel Fixed Blade Knife Review. Its also a little prone to chipping. Step 3 Shape:Blade shape is a very personal choice. All things considered, this is the best Benchmade pocket knife Ive come across. A little oiling also makes sure the axis locking joint is smooth as butter. I have the North Fork g10 and it is edc perfection. The New Benchmade Bugout 535BK-4 is a Striking Version of the Original The Benchmade Claymore and Shootout Two new knives in the Benchmade stable, the Claymore and Shootout represent two different actions. That is until you get a hold on the Valox handles it comes with. This kind of steel gives Benchmade knife blades good strength, long life, and resistance against corrosion. That spring is always under tension so be extra careful with the button! If youre an avid outdoorsman looking for a knife you can carry to work with you and then head off into the fields after you clock out, this your knife. 5 Jun. You can think of the Benchmade North Fork knife as a special edition of the Benchmade Mini-Barrage 585. Notable differences include fewer customizable options, the wooden handle, and the lack of assisted opening. That handle is a little squishy but you know what its good for? Its sleek and sexy just like an Aston Martin but everso usable and lethal as that V12 is tearing up the road. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S90VHandle Composition: Full-Tang handleless with Micro Carbon ScalesBlade Length: 3.08Total Length: 7.38Total Weight: 1.67 ounces. Aside from one major variable, the ergonomics of the North Fork knife are virtually identical to those of the Benchmade Mini-Barrage 585. The Infidel is absolutely not an EDC knife nor is it for the untrained user. It is easy to make a heavy, sturdy knife. I REALLY appreciate all the thoughts and opinions. That is fully half of the job the Axis Lock plays. Check for Signs of Poor Workmanship and Defects. He started this website while transitioning out of the Marines, and since has recruited several other Marines to help him work on the Marine Approved website. Blade Style: Drop-Point|Blade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Dual-Durometer Glass-Filled NylonBlade Length: 3.5Total Length: 7.84Total Weight: 3.77 ounces. The 154CM isnt my favorite steel and certainly isnt the best offered by Benchmade but it does excel in some areas such as being easier to sharpen than some of Benchmades favorite steels, like S30V. I wouldn't call it a slicer like the bugout but it all depends on what your full purpose is farm work I believe you will enjoy the northfork the most and the wood scales are awesome plus full liners. That rescue hook is mean man, Im telling you, that thing slices seatbelts so easily it makes you second guess how good seatbelts really are. The drop-point blade makes North Fork 1503 a handy hunting tool for skinning and slicing wildlife. This shape allows good control and protects against the hand slipping down onto the blade. Go with the Benchmade Bailout. If extra goodies are what you want, the Tactical Triage is worth a look. Glass breaker, rescue hook, lanyard hole, drop-point with three different serrated or fine edge options, super light but durable G10 resin-soaked fiberglass body, and the ever so loved AXIS locking mechanism. The Bugout is available with Grivory, titanium and CF-Elite. Benchmade has taken this idea and, in my opinion, refined it to be as handy and as durable as possible given the current steel and knife technology. In fact, it could be a knife even outside my list! Like you said, hunters and frequent users may have a different take on it. CPM-20CV is not a steel Benchmade is known to use but this particular steel offers incredible corrosion resistance while still being close in hardness to the other ultra-premium steels. This program is designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. A final note here, most Benchmade clips are not compatible with the Anthem and the Anthems clip is not compatible with any other Benchmade knife Ive reviewed. Check out our benchmade north fork backspace selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Im a huge fan of small slender blades because they tend to lack the tensile strength required for a rugged lifestyle. Mi cuenta; Carrito; Finalizar compra; Contacto As Ive already waxed poetic about the Griptilian, you know thats one of the best EDC knives from the house of Benchmade. Generally, Benchmade has a good reputation. The grind leaves a stiffening spine to about three-quarters of an inch from the point, and there are two grooved sections to give better purchase for your thumb just in front of the pivot, and at the front end of the spine. The Benchmade Bugout is a medium-sized utility knife. This is a greater feat. As a last note here, youll be getting a beautifully made stitched black leather sheath and you might be surprised when you get it. While Ive tried to point out which knife in this list is good for which set of tasks, Im going to break things down a little bit more. Furthermore, some of the metals they use can be especially hard to sharpen on your own. My Review: This knife was designed to get down and dirty outdoors and survive just about any environmental situation. In order to compare them all side-by-side, weve created this guide encompassing each and every one of our favorites. Need to do some piercing? Simple whittling would be "beneath" the capabilities of the North Fork if it weren't just so enjoyable to shave precise curlicues with the razor sharp blade. The Benchmade Bugout; all photos by. My Review: The Benchmade Griptilian is one of the most well-known multi-purpose folders in their lineup and this is due to its versatility-first approach. Because often I need to use my EDC for piercing or prying, and this sturdy, capable tip means I can do that without worrying about the tip snapping off. Moreover, gripping a Benchmade knife is comfortable because the handles are made of durable glass-filled nylon and G10. How to Choose the Best Benchmade Knife for All Purposes? That S30V steel is exactly the kind of metal Id want in an outdoor bushcrafting knife and with how solid and well balanced this knife is, its worth the 7.72 ounces of additional weight to ensure this goes in the loadout. I will mention that, under the same exact circumstances, I would expect the Grizzly Creek to last a little longer since its handle is a bit more technologically advanced and perhaps a bit less prone to damage, but both knives are pretty equally amazing. No matter how hard youre going with the knife, it wont slip even if your hand is wet with water, sweat, or blood. Disclosure. Blade Style: Drop-Point With Saw-Tooth SpineBlade Composition: D2Handle Composition: Bare Skeletonized and SlottedBlade Length: 4.2Total Length: 9.03Total Weight: 5.6 ounces. The Benchmade North Fork is a handsome folding knife designed for hunting, but it has all the right features to make for a great everyday carry blade as well. Its hard to explain, but this knife is pretty darn cool for the right person. However, this is the biggest Benchmade folder and has a long clip point blade that will suit not only EDC tasks but also tasks during hunting and camping. Basically, following this means youre looking out for extremely high quality and durability and you save up or sell something or do whatever you gotta do to get it and then youre good to go for a very long time without the need to buy another knife anytime soon. The mechanism works by giving you the regular pull-down and open motion of the original Axis Lock but, by pulling the bar just a bit further, the blade springs out instantly. 4.9 out of 5 stars 23. It is this size that seems to offer the best compromise of ergonomics and portability. Many of the Benchmade knives they sell the most are extremely high quality and made with rare or challenging materials and as such, are more than worth the hassle to send in and have serviced to increase their life span and usefulness. Blade Style: Clip-PointBlade Composition: 154CMHandle Composition: Diamond Textured G10Blade Length: 6.44Total Length: 11.72Total Weight: 11.74 ounces. The Bugout, while certainly not a bargain-bin blade, is offered at one of the lowest price points in all of Benchmade's catalog, clocking in at $160 for the base model. Along with fire its one of the most basic tools when you have a knife you can manufacture almost anything else youre likely to need, including shelter. This is an obvious safety concern, but could also be considered a pro if you are using it heavily for certain outdoor tasks. Clayton - Thanks for the comment. My Review: The Nakamura is one of my personal favorites as I believe it blends the beautiful craftsmanship Benchmade is capable of with ultimate versatility and toughness. Its satin-finished drop point blade uses S30V steel and features two jimped sections one by the thumb grip and one closer to the tip for ultimate blade control. The very first look convinces you that this knife would not slip from your grip. The angle(s) at which the faces of the blade meet determines the function of that edge. However, some find the full-sized Griptilian a little intimidating. The Bugout is a supremely good design and easy choice only if weight and ease of carry is of primary concern. Before we jump into discussing the beautiful pieces of sharp and pointy steel offered by one of our favorite companies, you need to know the pros and cons of each blade shape as well as the steel they are made of. As such you don't have to worry about that. Blade Style: TantoBlade Composition: 154CMHandle Composition: ValoxBlade Length: 3.6Total Length: 8.35Total Weight: 4.51 Ounces. Glass-filled nylon handles are generally a bit lighter than G10 handles as well as significantly cheaper than carbon fiber, so I believe the handle they chose fits perfectly with the ideology behind the knife, versatility, and usability above all! Blade Style: Gut Hook Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Wood Filled Resin or G10Blade Length: 4.17Total Length: 8.73Total Weight: 4.7 ounces 5.13 ounces (Varies depending on options). The handle has two attachment features. If you want a light slicer to disappear into the pocket then the bug out is probably the way to go. Its small, but extremely well made, and packs in a lot of performance for a tool this size. It would need to be a fixed blade, and be more of a Survival knife type. 154CM was a tad surprising to me at first, but I think Benchmade is trying to reach a wide audience with this blade without sacrificing its menacing appearance and experience. All Benchmade knives and other products are guaranteed for life with the companys lifetime warranty.Confirm with your knife seller whether the Benchmade North Fork 1503 folding knife you have decided to purchase is guaranteed for life with the manufacturers lifetime warranty. If you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Benchmade 560BK-1 - Freek 560-1, EDC Folding Knife, Drop-Point Blade, Manual Open, Axis Locking Mechanism, Made in USA, Coated, Straight, Gray/Black. luke86 Joined Mar 29, 2015 Messages 825 Blade Style: Ringed DaggerBlade Composition: 440HCHandle Composition: Full-Tang Handless DesignBlade Length: 3.22Total Length: 7.25. Its made from 154cm stainless steel that gives it excellent edge retention. Benchmade North Fork 15031 Knife Drop-Point Review, Things to be aware of before making a purchase. Blade Style: Trailing Clip-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Resin Filled Wood GrainBlade Length: 4Total Length: 9.3Total Weight: 5.41. This particular steel is especially strong in terms of tensile strength which allows this knife to be heavily abused and put through the wringer whether youre a camper, fisherman, or using the knife to work. Have some money burning a hole in your pockets and you need something that your buddies are sure to gawk at? Okay, fine, I will, but only because I really enjoy saying the word triage. I cant make a list of great Benchmade knives and skip on the Freek knife, can I? My Review: Before we get started its important to note that the Infidel 133 was originally an out the front automatic knife (OTF) whereas the knife I am reviewing is a fixed blade. Yes, it is a little expensive coming in at two Benjamins but this is a knife that can do it all and will do it all for many many many years to come. The line is built upon a foundation of rigorous testing and research and development for use by real hunters. It's always handy this way, and largely unobtrusive except in the most formal of situations. As part of the Hunt series from Benchmade, the North Fork joins the ranks as one of the most advanced hunting knives ever, thanks to its use of premium materials and the renowned AXIS locking mechanism. When it comes to the handles ergonomics, this knife beats all the rest. Check out the Benchmades official page for more information on the Lifesharp program here. Its a more substantial knife. For this reason, even though the price seems exorbitant, I consider that buying Benchmade is actually a money-saving move. I wouldnt suggest this as an EDC or as a knife for a beginner but more so something youd keep under your pillow or in your truck if youre traveling through a rough neighborhood. Keep a onein your pocket and a fixed blade in your pack. Or the Benchmade Bailout. The Fact is everything I love about slender pocket knives while still being one lean mean little blade. The Fact would be an excellent and easy to carry self-defense knife that has incredible utility value, close to that of a solid EDC knife. Yeah, I know, that sounds lame, but sometimes having a professional do it for you is the way to go, especially when they can use tools and equipment that would cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy and operate. The Aller 380 is a multi-purpose Wharncliffe knife that encompasses a screwdriver, pry tip, micro bit slot, money clip, bottle opener, and of course, that handy slicing Wharncliffe blade. Smaller knives (with no limit, really) are more portable. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. The Bailout has a separate backspacer. In terms of ease of carrying and usability, this may just be the knife that sits the most comfortably in between those two attributes found on the market today. Boasting an excellent combination of handy features that suits everyday use, North Fork-1503 has proved to be a very reliable all-round knife. Customize your 535 Bugout knife with a plain drop-point or serrated drop-point blade, coupled with a CF Elite or Grivory handle. However, the wooden handle might start to look a bit beaten up. First, even right out of the box, there are different definitions of "sharp." Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Aside from the blade, the handle is another thing that demands attention. Our test team (and likely you) like this feature. Wrapping it all together is a very well built polymer sheath with a snap lock and that coveted Benchmade butterfly stamped on it.